Quilting is becoming an increasingly important and integral part of my life. My creative outlet changes how I view the world around me, influences the activities I pursue with my family, and introduces me to new people whose life paths wouldn't ordinarily intersect mine. My life is much like my favorite types of quilts - scrappy and unconventional, full of interest and surprises, and with an underlying current of making do (and making something beautiful!) with what I have.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Goodbye, old friend

My friend and co-worker of 10 years died today. I was going to visit him last week, but I didn't. I was afraid of being an emotional windowpane, afraid of being unable to mask my emotions while there, and afraid of doing more harm than good. "This week," I told myself, "I'll go see him this week."

I'm not going to make the same mistake with his wife, a talented and prolific quilter that I've known for just as long, albeit in a different context. I will go to see her, and hug her tightly, and if I wet her shoulder with my tears, so be it. Being strong is for the birds. I waited until I was strong enough to say goodbye to my friend, and I waited too long. I hope he was able to tell from my card how much he meant to me and how much I will miss him.

Goodbye, Russ. I'm happy that you are no longer in pain. I'll see you again on the other side.

it is very hard to work up to seeing someone you know is dying - I didn't visit my brother near enough when he suffered from cancer, I hated to see him so sick - I should have visited more even though it was a long drive to do so.